"For My Brother on Down Syndrome Day" By Ace

I LOVE this video! Every time I watch it I tear up. 

 Ace is a pretty wise little girl... "Who wouldn't want this precious little boy?"

https://youtu.be/cZ_i3yioHlo

World Down Syndrome Day

I know I'm a little late, but it was World Down Syndrome Day (March 21st) and I need to express how much I love and care for these tender individuals.  I have always had a special place in my heart for people with disabilities.  Growing up I had one boy in my first grade class named Stephen.  Stephen was so much fun and super strong.  We would play tug of war with him, four kids against Stephen, and he would win EVERY time!  There was also Matthew, who lived just down the street from us.  I will never forget those dirty socks hanging in my face as I woke up on Saturday morning.  He was ready to play... and we never locked our door.  I also was able to be a peer tutor for Matthew and I never tired of listening to him talk and sign.  He is so sweet!  Another boy down the street, named David, is always a riot.  He was so much fun to babysit!  Last, but definitely not least, is my very own little brother Neil.  Neil can be compared to nobody else.  He is his own man!  He has been the family entertainer since the day he was born.  Whenever I stop to think about the best Neil moments I always start laughing.  He is my little doodle-frog friend.  He has so many nicknames it isn't even funny.  His personal favorite at the moment is Neilbert.  I must admit, it is one of my least favorites... but it is still kind of funny when he refers to himself as Neilbert or his teacher as Neilbert-Martha.  Neil, Neil quite the deal!  How could you not love this kid?

  The best part about this picture is that he tried it again last year. It didn't work as well as he hoped.  My mom couldn't find him anywhere so she started calling his name.  She then heard his reply, "I'm right here."  Then she would look in a different area trying to follow his voice.  After several rounds of this game she tried again. "Neil?"  "I'm RIGHT HERE!"  Finally figuring out he was stuck in the dryer.  He isn't as little as he used to be. 

Neil let me try on his goggles.

Neil is McAwesome!

Second house he burned down getting a makeover.

Neil comes to my class every year and it is always one of the highlights for the kids.  They love him!

Neil is always perfecting his poses.

Last but not least... Spiderman!

Wedded Bliss

We just wanted to share a few highlights from the beautiful summer's day we were wed.

The best temple ever!

Most of the family.

Neil, Neil quite the deal.

The parents.

It's hard letting go of the COOLEST human ever.

What's in your wallet?

Funny... no no just Fun!

The majority of the Allen side of the famdamnly.

My favorite.

Decor.

Yummy... if only we could have sampled one.

Strong guys.

My lovely bride's maid. Stayed by my side all night.

The line.

Texas Twister

Isaiah Asiata, my darling student who sang us a few songs on his ukulele.

Dancing King

Long day for the little guy.  Heck, it was a long day for all of us.

Orange you glad I didn't say banana?

The bouquet toss... Yes, it was all BOYS going for it.

The photographer.

Sparklers.

The getaway vehicle.

The end... or the beginning.  Depending on which way you are looking at it.

Engagement Photos

Rans and I met January 2, 2011.  We hit it off rather quickly (I knew how to pick a non-mutant single's ward attendee when I saw one, which I'll have you know didn't happen too often). After our first date things started moving pretty fast.  We were officially engaged in May and were married July 30, 2011.  We are both rather easy going, and most conversations about our relationship went something like this.  Me: "Well, you're kind of like my boy." Rans: "Like you're BOYFRIEND?" Me: "I don't know, are you?"  Rans: "Can I be?" Me: "Sure!" or Rans: "So... it's not a matter of if, but when for me.  How do you feel about that?"  Proof that we are meant for each other.